Judith Leiber Chinese Foo Dog Dragon Minaudiere Evening Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 3.75 in (9.53 cm)Width: 6 in (15.24 cm)Depth: 4 in (10.16 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Kingston, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3068222192162
Judith Leiber
When it comes to handbags, no designer can compete with Judith Leiber’s ability to create magic using opulent crystals and wildly imaginative and playful shapes. The Hungarian-born designer's lauded vintage minaudières (small, decorative handbags, often without handles or a strap) were made in the form of crystal-covered swans, cupcakes, lipstick, wads of cash, teddy bears and other delightful objects.
These dazzling objets d’art have been regularly seen in the hands of First Ladies, movie stars on the red carpet and even in the prestigious collections of institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art. And like many pathbreaking inventions in the history of design, Leiber's purses and minaudières were the result of a happy accident.
In 1967, Leiber began working on her first metal handbag. The piece in question was named the Chatelaine, and the design was a graceful drop-shaped purse in gold-tinted metal. But when the samples came in, Leiber saw that the bottom of the bag looked greenish and discolored as a result of the plating process. She had the ingenious idea of applying crystal rhinestones to the base to cover up the flaws. The fabulous bag was a huge success and would become her trademark.
Born Judith Peto in Budapest, Leiber overcame many hardships before her breakthrough. At the start of World War II, she was working at the Pessl handbag company in Budapest where she quickly climbed the ranks to become a master craftswoman. When the war escalated, she and her Jewish family were forced by the Nazis to live in a cellar of a ghetto, and several of her relatives were killed in concentration camps.
“I designed handbags in my head to get through the misery,” Leiber said.
After the liberation of Budapest, she married Gerson “Gus” Leiber, an American GI, and moved to New York. In 1948, she began working for the fashion house Nettie Rosenstein. One of Leiber's first major pieces was the handbag embroidered with glittering rhinestones and pearls carried by Mamie Eisenhower at the 1953 inaugural ball. In 1963, she finally set up her own company.
Leiber’s whimsical designs embellished with Swarovski crystals and semiprecious stones defied traditional notions of luxury handbags. She also created striking clutches and bags with leather and fine textiles from around the world. In her 65-year career, she designed over 3,500 bags, which have been worn by First Ladies including Nancy Reagan and Laura Bush, pop icons like Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez and celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner (who collects Judith Leiber bags).
In 2005, the Leiber Collection Museum opened in East Hampton, New York, as a permanent space to showcase her work. The minaudières remain coveted objects that are celebrated worldwide for their eclectic beauty and glamorous charm.
The value of a good handbag cannot be overstated — find vintage Judith Leiber shoulder bags, crossbody bags, sunglasses and other fashion accessories today on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Kingston, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Gucci brown saddle bag, 1970sBy GucciLocated in Kingston, NYGucci chocolate color Italian doeskin saddle bag with tiger head and gold tone hardware, owned by Natalie Cole 11" x 10"Category
1970s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Valentino Garavani red leather clutchBy Valentino GaravaniLocated in Kingston, NYValentino Garavani clutch, oxford blood soft leather womens clutch with Valentino felt bag 9.5" x 7"Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Jimmy Choo blue and purple metallic tote bagBy Jimmy ChooLocated in Kingston, NYJimmy Choo blue and purple metallic python snakeskin tote bag 19" x 13"Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tote Bags
- Jimmy Choo purple and blue shiny bagBy Jimmy ChooLocated in Kingston, NYJimmy Choo python bag. Gold tone hardware, chain link shoulder strap contouring metal rods around the bag at the base, horsebit with black leath...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Top Handle Bags
- Saint Laurent Belle de Jour nude clutchBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Kingston, NYSaint Laurent Belle de Jour nude clutch from estate of a socialite & philanthropist 11" x 7"Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Gucci Tortoise Shell Handbag with Hysteria Hardware and Signature GG LogoBy GucciLocated in Kingston, NYThis Gucci bag features a black gold tone tortoise shell brown patent leather design. The stylish Hysteria hardware and signature GG logo give the bag a timeless look. The spacious i...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Vintage Black Lambskin Quilted Medallion Fanny Pack Waist Belt Bag RareBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLVintage Chanel black lambskin quilted medallion fanny pack 1991 {VINTAGE 33 Years} Gold hardware Lambskin lined Adjustable clasp belt with max 40" 4” H x 9” W x 3” D Made in FranceCategory
1990s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel 2014 Iconic Black Rabbit Fur Logo CC Long Neck Scarf Wrap StoleBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Black Fur Logo CC Long Neck Scarf Year: 2014 Chanel Orylag Fur Cashmere Limited Edition Black Soft Scarf Two tone CC fur logo accent on end 70%...Category
2010s Italian Scarves
- Chanel Rare 90s Vintage Natural Rattan Raffia Rare Black Leather BackpackBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Rare 90s Vintage Natural Rattan Raffia Rare Black Leather Backpack Chanel's black leather and natural rattan backpack is both chic and practica...Category
1990s Italian Backpacks
- Chanel 1996 Vintage Rare Medium Classic Flap Navy Blue Velvet Quilted BackpackBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel 1996 Vintage Rare Medium Classic Flap Navy Blue Velvet Quilted Backpack 1996 {VINTAGE 28 Years} Silver hardware Quilted Navy Blue Velvet Classic CC Turnlock Flap Closure Zippered closure Lambskin lined black interior Main interior zippered pocket Back Pocket Made in France As seen on Ariana GrandeCategory
1990s French Backpacks
- Chanel Drawstring Bucket Caviar Mini Black Lambskin Leather Cross Body BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Micro Mini Vintage Crossbody Bucket Drawstring Lambskin Bag 1994 {VINTAGE 28 Years} Gold hardware Classic interwoven chain CC stitched ...Category
1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel 2008 Resort Black White Vintage Large Maxi Jumbo Cruise Classic Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLLarge quilted lambskin flap with white trim and large CC clasp Year: 2008 {VINTAGE 16 Years} Silver hardware Interior centered zippered pocket Expandable flap Black satin interior ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags